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December 17, 1998, Thursday
Does God purpose to make an encounter with every individual
person to draw them to Himself? Do many respond to that call
of God by trying to "keep the law by good works"? Is wisdom
and knowledge about God's will important for one to grow in
the ways of God?
Luke tells us that Paul's conversion was an act of God
on that day he was traveling. Jesus is the Creator of
the Believer and disciple by His direct encounter--
"So Ananias went, entered the house where Saul was,
and placed his hands on him. "Brother Saul," he said,
"the Lord has sent me—Jesus himself, who appeared to
you on the road as you were coming here. He sent me
so that you might see again and be filled with the
Holy Spirit" (Acts 9:17). God sent an ambassador to
minister to Paul and instruct him as a disciple.
Paul tells us outward actions of keeping the law don't
matter but the inward attitude of heart to permit God
to change us is the important element that brings change---
"It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised;
what does matter is being a new creature. As for those who
follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with
them—with them and with all of God's people! (Gal 6:15-16).
Just as Ananias had instructed Paul in the knowledge of the
will of God, Paul instructed new believers how to grow--
"We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will, with
all the wisdom and understanding that His Spirit gives. Then
you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do
what pleases Him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good
deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God" (Col 1:10).
God purposes for us to know Him better to grow in Him.
Let us remember who is the Creator of the universe. God's
name is Jehová Hoseem. He is the God who is the Creator
of our faith and reason. He is the Creator of our growth
and progress in Him. He is the Creator of the new creature
spiritually. Trust Him and Praise Him Today for all the
"new" that has come and the "old" that has passed away. He
made an encounter with each of us to follow Him.
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